6828 Children in Artsakh Unable to Attend Kindergarten and Schools

Due to the blockade of the only road connecting Artsakh to Armenia by Azerbaijan, the operations of preschool institutions, kindergarten groups in public schools, and long-term educational institutions have been temporarily suspended since January 9 due to insufficient food supplies. This information has been reported in an official update released by the Artsakh Information Headquarters, which will be updated daily.

Amidst the blockade and worsening food shortages, 41 kindergartens have closed, 56 preschool groups have been shut down, and 20 long-term educational institutions have ceased operations. This means that 6,828 children can no longer attend kindergarten, preschool, or long-term schools, depriving them of the opportunity for proper care, nutrition, and education.

“In the last two days, there has been heavy snowfall in Artsakh. Due to the Azerbaijani government agents blocking the Stepanakert-Goris interstate highway, snow removal and salting operations have become impossible in that stretch of the road. Therefore, traveling in that area is extremely dangerous due to the snow,” the report states.

This blockage has also caused significant difficulties for both the International Committee of the Red Cross and Russian peacekeeping vehicles, which were carrying out certain supplies and transporting critically ill patients. Due to Azerbaijan's destructive stance, the population of Artsakh is also facing an energy crisis.

On January 9, at 14:35, an accident was recorded on the 33rd kilometer of the 110 kV high-voltage line supplying Artsakh from Armenia. According to data recorded by the equipment, the accident occurred in the Agavno-Berdzor section. Due to Azerbaijan's destructive position, it is currently impossible to conduct inspections and organize recovery work in the mentioned area. Thus, a decision has been made to supply electricity to the republic through local generating stations with relevant restrictions. Given the situation, power outages are being implemented in the Republic.

What does this mean? In the winter cold and heavy snowfall, the power outages exacerbate the humanitarian disaster caused by the blockade. Artsakh is now also facing an energy crisis,” the report highlighted.

It is also noted that 10 children are in the neonatal and intensive care units of the children’s hospital. Twelve patients are in intensive care, six of whom are in critical condition. Already, 110 children have been born under the blockade.

The report states, “Azerbaijan's government agents have held the 120,000 residents of Artsakh hostage under blockade conditions for 30 days with acts of terrorism. Due to the blockade, the 120,000 residents of Artsakh (including about 30,000 children) are suffering from numerous deprivations and are at risk of starvation. More than 12,000 tons of vital goods would have been delivered to Artsakh if it weren’t for the blockade, during which only a minimal portion was supplied by the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Russian peacekeeping forces.”